I've had my car over two weeks now, with no major complaints. However, the last couple mornings I've noticed a slight vibration coming from what I assume are the tires. Goes on for 5-10 minutes, then it's gone...noticeable at all speeds. I've read about the dreaded "flatspotting" on these EL42 tires, but I was under the impression this was prevalent in colder temps. I live in Seattle, and my car sits in a garage (between 55 - 60 degrees) all night.

Do you guys think I'm experiencing the flatspotting problem? If so, do I have any leverage with the dealer? My gut reaction is that they should want to keep a long-time customer happy and be willing to pay for most, if not all, of a replacement set of tires (diff brand). As a side-note, I did complain to my sales guy a couple days after I had the car that the tire noise seemed louder than normal. Of course, he said he had never heard of that problem with the tires. Yeah right.

Thoughts?

-X-

 

*bump*

 

Flatspotting occurs due to a combination of temperature, time of sitting in one spot, and pressure. Flatspotting is usually temporary and the tire will round out after being driven for a few miles and the temperatures increase.

After driving your car for mile after mile and then parking the car on a cool garage floor, this change in temperature along with the vehicle sitting in one spot will cause a flatspot in your tire.

I would definitely contact your dealer and talk to them about your vibration and your theory behind said vibration. If nothing productive comes out of this, I would start a history by logging a complaint with Acura Customer Service. Perhaps, they can shed some light on the situation.

Plus, search this forum as plenty of members have had new, redesigned EL42's placed on their TL's. I, for one, have the old EL42's and I have no issue with flatspotting or any vibration in my car.

Hope this helps. I threw my $.02 because I saw you bumped the thread.

 

What's the easiest way to tell if you have the new or old EL42s?

 

The tires have a production date stamped on the sidewall. Anything on or before 0504 (5th week of 2004) is the old EL42's. Anything on or after 0604 is the new EL42's.

Some on this forum have said that any car with a VIN before 31,000 has the old EL42's...or thereabouts.

Plus, apparently there is another code on the tire:

OB6N PVC - OLD EL42

OB6N TU2 - NEW EL42

Thanks to Rets and Ron A...I read your posts and pledgarized like a motherf'er.

 

Thanks tripp11, appreciate the info!!

-X-